SEEDS PLANTED FOR $16.7 MILLION AGRICULTURE PRECINCT
The Albanese Government is continuing to invest in the nation’s future as an agritech powerhouse, investing $16.7 million into the Western Sydney University’s Agri Tech Precinct.
Once complete, the precinct will be a world-leading hub of research, innovation, incubation and production, working to advance sustainable and resilient food systems.
It will create new education pathways for future students as well as collaborative opportunities with other agricultural institutions.
The approximately $30 million project is jointly funded with Western Sydney University, and is an election commitment being delivered under the Priority Community Infrastructure Program.
Western Sydney University has estimated the construction phase will create 150 direct jobs and up to an additional 240 jobs in the precinct’s day-to-day operations.
Delivered in two stages, the Commonwealth’s contribution is for stage 1 of the roughly 50-hectare precinct on the Hawkesbury campus.
Planning for the precinct is well underway with construction due to commence in April 2025, and stage 1 of the precinct expected to open to students from late 2025 with Stage 2 to follow.
For more information on the Priority Community Infrastructure Program visit the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts website.
Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“Agriculture makes up around13% of Australia’s export economy and 55% of its land mass.
“With growing demand for sustainable, resilient food systems, the Agri Tech Precinct will help keep Australia at the forefront of innovation in the agriculture sector.
“This is a smart, long-term investment in both the economy of Western Sydney, and the future of agriculture across Australia.
“Our commitment to this project is another example of our investment in infrastructure that will deliver benefits for all Australians for generations.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman:
“This is an important investment in the WSU Richmond campus.
“The Hawkesbury is the heart of peri-urban farming in NSW, with a rich tradition in food production and land management, and this initiative opens up opportunities for 21st Century agri-tech.
“Not only will the Agri Tech Precinct play a growing role in the future of agriculture in Australia, but it will create hundreds of exciting new jobs plus new higher education opportunities in the Hawkesbury and Western Sydney.
“I’m proud to have this election commitment become a reality and look forward to seeing the results of the investment in the Richmond WSU campus over many years to come.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins:
“Innovation is at the heart of growing the agriculture sector’s productivity. The new Western Sydney University Agri Tech Precinct will bring students, researchers, businesses and industry together to develop and use new technology and methods to continue Australian agriculture’s competitiveness and success, which is why our Government is backing it.
“Agriculture is increasingly drawing on technology and scientific advances to manage resource use, monitor production and target pests and diseases.
“I am excited by the prospects of bringing our best minds and technology together in the Western Sydney University Agri Tech Precinct. Collaboration can encourage innovation and attract investment and will be crucial to growing the jobs Australian agriculture needs into the future.”
Quotes attributable to Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO:
“Western Sydney University’s Agri Tech Precinct is a multi-million dollar investment in the future of sustainable agriculture production.
“The precinct will draw on the University’s expertise and research innovation ecosystem, with a focus on challenges faced by communities globally, to be advanced in genuine partnership with industry, government and community.
“Offering exceptional work-integrated learning opportunities for students in agriculture and food production, it will create much-needed career pathways and a future jobs pipeline for Australia’s agricultural sector.
“Critically, the precinct will also create skilled jobs for Western Sydney and capitalise on the proximity to Sydney’s premier international airport at Badgery’s Creek – strengthening our opportunity to rapidly export fresh, high-yield produce to the rest of the world.
“Our Hawkesbury campus has a long history of agricultural education and cutting-edge research. We are delighted this facility continues that proud tradition, cementing Western Sydney’s position as a world-leading hub for agricultural research and innovation.”
